The county is situated between the parallels 43° 18' and 43° 54' north latitude, and between 3° 41' and 4° 19' longitude east from Washington. The mean temperature of the climate is about 43°, while the rain fall averages forty to forty-three inches a year.

      The most striking and characteristic feature in the scenery of Rutland county is the range of Green Mountains that extends through its entire length, in which tower heavenward peaks of great altitude and grandeur. The range is unbroken and forms a water-shed from which flow eastward some of the tributaries of the Connecticut and those of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain to the westward. There are no rivers breaking through the mountains, as in the more northerly parts of the range, affording good opportunities for roads, but occasional small streams merely indicate a passageway; the roads are consequently laid over the rugged mountains, not infrequently passing across the range at an altitude of two thousand feet above the ocean. The pass at Mount Holly, one of the most favorable in the south part of the range, was selected for the course of the Rutland Railroad, and is one thousand, four hundred and fifteen feet above tide water at the "Summit" Station.

      The highest elevation in the county is Killington Mountain, or Peak, which the latter is its popular name. It is situated in the towns of Sherburne and Mendon and about ten miles distant from Rutland, and has within the last few years become a place of popular resort. The admeasurement of the distinguished Professor GUYOT makes its height 4,221 feet above the ocean.

      Shrewsbury Peak, which lies south of it, is 3,845 feet in height. Pico Peak lies to the north, is cone-shaped, and 3,954 feet in height. Although much difference of opinion existed at a former day as to which was the highest of these mountains, Professor Guyot conclusively settled the question, and a person standing on the highest point of Killington will be easily convinced that its altitude is much greater than that of the surrounding peaks, upon which he can look down. Shrewsbury at the southeast lifts its wooded sides, while, crowding close on Killington, towers Pico, the dense forests of which have never been broken by the woodsman’s ax. The scenery is grand and impressive. The view from the summit is as extensive as that at Mount Mansfield in the northern part of the State, the height of which is 4,430 feet above tide water, and exhibits a landscape of far greater diversity. Instead of Lake Champlain with its numerous bays and verdant islands and the intervening cultivated farms, there is spread out before the beholder a scene more wild, solitary and rural. To the west thriving villages are in full view even to the banks of the Hudson and a portion of Lake Champlain, while to the north can be traced the serpentine windings of the Otter Creek, with numerous prosperous villages and substantial farm-houses upon its fertile banks. Turning the gaze to the eastward the view of the wild surroundings of the mountain is quite as extensive. A hotel has been erected near the summit and a good road constructed; in the seasons stages run daily from Rutland and many persons visit the mountain top in their own conveyances. Within eight rods of the summit are three springs of water, such as are found on nearly all the peaks of the Green Mountains, cool, pure and limpid and well calculated to refresh and invigorate the traveler.

      Among the most interesting natural curiosities of this section are the Calico or White Rocks in Wallingford, where the water-worn quartz pebbles are piled and cemented together. In a ravine opening to the southwest ice exists during the entire year. These White Rocks are 2,532 feet in elevation and, although not so high as some other points, afford a view of great beauty. There are rugged precipices, and rocks piled on rocks, presenting a scene of wild grandeur. This is sometimes called the home of eagles, on account of the weird ruggedness of the beetling cliffs and dizzy heights. Mount Tabor is an elevated point of this range, but it has no especial attractions except some natural ponds. Nearly two-thirds of the mountain are still in a primeval state, and upon its heights are some of the largest charcoal kilns in the country.

      West of the Green Mountains and nearly parallel with them is a range known as the Taconic Mountains, which extend from Massachusetts and enter the county at Danby, continuing; as far north as Brandon. In this range are numerous passes affording opportunity for roads, notably in the valleys of the Pawlet, Poultney and Castleton Rivers., So numerous are these gaps that the range is given the appearance of a series of isolated mountains wholly independent of each other. The measurement of several peaks in this range shows that they rise to the height of 3,000 feet or more above tide water. The tops and sides are often clothed with variegated verdure, scarcely ever seen on the western slopes of the Green Mountains. The most important peak in the Taconic range is Bird Mountain, in the town of Ira, a distance of a few miles from Castleton and some six miles from Rutland. Its elevation above the ocean is nearly 2,500 feet. The sides of this mountain are so precipitous as to render ascent difficult, except on the northeast side; at this point, even, the ascent is so steep as to preclude the possibility of going on horseback the entire distance; foot-paths, however, lead to the top, which is not more than a mile distant from the wagon road. The summit consists of rock and is nearly destitute of soil and vegetation. In this respect it differs from other mountains of the range. The prospect is not as extensive as from many other summits, yet it embraces many interesting scenes. There is on every hand an agreeable diversity of landscape-hills anti valleys, woods and cultivated fields.

      Herrick Mountain, also in the town of Ira, about two miles eastward from Bird Mountain, is 2,661 feet in height. This peak forms a prominent feature of the landscape and presents in outline the peculiarity of which is well calculated to arrest the attention; it has the appearance of two mountains with a chasm between. There are other mountains in this range worthy of notice, although less prominent than those noted. Danby Mountain, lying mainly in that township, is one celebrated for its quarries of marble, situated twelve hundred feet above the valley, to which the product is transported by a railroad down the mountain. The view from this peak is somewhat limited, but quite picturesque. Haystack Mountain, in the town of Pawlet, is a notable eminence in the southwest part of the town. It rises to a height of about 2,000 feet and the sides are so steep as to form an angle in many places of at least sixty degrees. Its summit is sharp and rugged, while other peaks more rounded in contour are thrown around it, producing a scene of rare beauty.

      Moose Horn Mountain, in Wells, on the banks of Lake St. Cathrine, is among the most peculiar of the Taconite group. The eastern side slopes gradually from the summit to the valley beneath; the western face presents a bold and almost startling aspect, from its abruptness. A barren rock, with its front cut straight in the direction of its length and nearly perpendicular from foot to crown, adds beauty, even to the lake lying at its foot. There are many other elevations in the county that lend beauty and grandeur to the locality, but further detailed descriptions of their characteristics would far exceed the space allotted here to the landscape scenery that has given the county a wide fame.

      With the somewhat severe climate of Rutland county and her rugged surface, her general agricultural prosperity must be attributed more to the skill and industry of her husbandmen than to any native generosity of Mother Earth. Her geographical inland position offers little opportunity for a great commercial center. Though her quarries of marble and slate are unsurpassed, her mineral resources dwindle into insignificance when compared with those of other counties of equal extent in the Middle and Western States. Wanting in those elements that form a foundation for the prosperity of the State, nature, as if mindful of her neglect, has placed at our disposal one of the mightiest of visible motors, a gift too precious to be carelessly squandered.

      The Otter Creek is the longest stream in Vermont, extending ninety-one miles and watering about 900 square miles. It originates in Mount Tabor, Peru and Dorset, within a few rods of the head of the Battenkill, and runs through the entire length of the county. The curious fact exists that these two rivers, which rise within a few rods of each other, are of about equal length; the Battenkill running south to the Hudson River and the Otter Creek north into Lake Champlain. The latter offers along its course important and valuable water power. At Sutherland Falls, Middlebury and Weybridge are valuable falls which would afford power for the use of millions of dollars in manufactures. There are already located upon its banks some of the finest manufacturing establishments in the State. In the lower part of its course its rate of descent is very small, except an occasional fall over ledges of rocks; the upper part of its course is over an undulating country. There are moraine or glacier terraces on both sides of the creek from Danby to Clarendon. In Wallingford the valley is narrow and quite deep, but is much wider at Clarendon. At Sutherland Falls the creek passes over rocks, finally tumbling down a precipice. These falls afford one of the most valuable mill privileges in the State, and the surroundings are picturesque and beautiful. The spot is well worthy of a visit from those who justly appreciate attractive scenery. A widespread and beautiful valley opens to the north, thickly studded with comfortable and ofttimes elegant farm-houses, with well-fenced and highly-cultivated fields, beyond which and still farther northward the landscape presents a panorama of rare beauty. From this point commences a meadow often over two miles wide and extending to Middlebury. Here it begins to narrow and in this condition extends to Vergennes, where it is interrupted by a ledge of rocks, after which it continues uninterrupted to Lake Champlain.

      There are numerous tributaries to Otter Creek, of which the following are the more important: Mill River, which rises in Mount Holly, following the route of the Rutland Railroad to Cuttingsville where it turns west to Otter Creek. At this point it cuts through a high ridge of rock, forming a deep gorge. East Creek joins the Otter Creek in the village of Rutland, having its rise in Chittenden; just below South Chittenden on the creek is a fine moraine terrace of considerable breadth. Furnace Brook rises in Chittenden and joins the creek in Pittsford. The village of North Chittenden is located in a fine basin hollowed out of the highest terrace. Between these and Pittsford the stream passes through a rocky gorge and the scenery in the vicinity is quite picturesque. Tinmouth River empties into the Otter Creek near Center Rutland. Its source is in Danby and it flows through a narrow valley which, after reaching Rutland, begins to expand. Poultney River rises in Tinmouth and traverses Middletown, Poultney, Fairhaven and Westhaven and falls into East Bay, an arm of Lake Champlain; its length is about twenty-five miles. It affords many valuable mill sites. At Carver's a peculiar change in the channel took place in 1783; the stream cut a gorge at that point one hundred feet deep, lowering the bed of the river for some distance above and carrying immense quantities of earth into East Bay. The meadows upon this stream are extensive and fertile. Among its tributaries are Codman's Creek in Westhaven, Hubbardton River and Castleton River. Upon the latter there is a distinct basin of moraine terraces, embracing the villages of Castleton and Castleton Corners. On this river, before it reaches Ira, where the stream has cut through the Taconic range of mountains in West Rutland, is a terrace. Near the celebrated marble quarries the stream runs through a meadow, quite low and marshy, forming an extended terrace. It is remarkable that so limited a stream should rise east of a range of mountains one thousand feet high, and, after flowing to the south seven miles, suddenly bend its course at right angles and cut through the mountain; especially is this true when an obstruction of a few feet in the gorge would divert the stream southeast to the Otter Creek. This gorge runs east and west, contrary to the usual direction of excavated valleys in Vermont, and as it is in the region of curious and gigantic disturbances of the underlying strata, it is probable that the valley of the stream through Ira was formed in some other way than by erosion. Pawlet River in the southwestern part of the county is the only other important stream to be named; it affords many excellent mill sites which were useful in the olden times. It rises in Dorset Mountain and passes through that township and Pawlet to Whitehall, N. Y. At West Dorset the meadows along its banks expand and are especially fertile. At the village of Pawlet, where Flower Creek joins Pawlet River, the view of terraces is unusually instructive and adds beauty to the scenery.

      There are several other minor streams which will find mention in subsequent town histories.

      There are many mineral springs of various qualities and characteristics scattered through the county. The most famous are the Clarendon Springs, which are doubtless among the finest ever visited for their medicinal virtues, and about a quarter of a century ago were probably more resorted to than any others in the State. A tradition exists that their medicinal character was first discovered in 1776 by Asa SMITH, who resided in the eastern part of the township. As report has it, he dreamed of a spring in the western part of the town, and, full of faith, started through the wilderness and over the high hills in search of the fount to furnish the water that should restore him to health. Arriving at this point -- he recognized it as the spring that was the object of his dream, and from the use of its waters regained his health. This is the narration of the discovery as it has come down through the generations. The first current use of the waters began in 1794; in 1798 a frame hotel was built, and since 1800 the spring has been constantly visited by many persons suffering from cutaneous diseases, and large quantities of tile water have been conveyed away in jugs and barrels by people of the surrounding country. From fifteen hundred to two thousand persons have in some years visited these springs for health and recreation. Through the discovery of other mineral springs of similar medicinal qualities the number of visitors has fallen off in the past twenty years. An excellent hotel and several boarding houses now afford accommodations for visitors. The waters resemble the springs of Germany, and their curative qualities result more from gaseous than mineral characteristics.

      The Middletown Springs, that for a time gained celebrity for curative properties, were first made use of in 1862, although it is claimed that their mineral qualities were known to physicians prior to 1811. They are located on the north bank of Poultney River. In 1868 several parties reported cases that had been benefited by the use of the water for various disorders. Their fame spread rapidly and many wanted their waters at all seasons of the year. A large bottling establishment was erected and the water was shipped to all sections of the country. That the waters possess mineral and curative qualities there is no doubt and in some cases are valuable as a remedial agent; but exaggerated statements on this point have been made. In 1870 the Mont Vert Hotel was erected, which annually accommodates several hundred guests who come to the springs for rest, recuperation or pleasure.

      Lake Bombazine lies in a basin of Georgia, or argillaceous slate. It is eight miles long form north to south, and two and one-half miles wide at its widest part. Three-fourths lie in the town of Castleton, and one fourth in Hubbardton. That portion in Hubbardton is very marshy and muddy, while that in Castleton, in some places, is very deep and the shores are rocky, or gravelly. It receives its waters from the slopes of the adjacent country through Hopkins, Beaver Meadow, and Sucker Brooks on the east side; Johnston's Brook and the outlet of Screwdriver Pond on the west side; Jelliff's and Rumsey's Brooks in the town of Hubbardton; and other rills without names along the shores. The waters flow southward and empty through the creek into Castleton River at Hydeville.

      The lake has long been called "Bombazine." It is uncertain when or how it received this name, but tradition says that when the country was new the lake was surrounded by a heavy growth of green forest trees, which reflected upon the surface of the water a green shade resembling the cloth called bombazine, and by common consent it thus came into general use.

      Another tradition says that soon after the town commenced to be settled a peddler crossed the lake on the ice having several webs of bombazine on his sled; one web was unrolled and trailed on the ice nearly the whole distance across the lake, which ruined the piece. The peddler then named the lake Bombazine. Whichever explanation is the correct one, it evidently is derived from the name of the cloth then known as bombazine. The name is spelled on William BLODGETT's map of Vermont Bombazon. But the first time it is mentioned as Bombazine is in a deed from Samuel MOULTON July 23, 1804, in the Castleton land records. From that period up to the present the word occurs occasionally. In some of the deeds it is spelled "Bombazine," in others “Bombazeen." In the earliest Castleton land records, and even up to quite recently, the lake has been called "The Pond," "Castleton Pond," "The Great Pond," "The Grate Pond."

      About 1867, or a little later, Mr. R. M. COPELAND, who had purchased considerable land property at West Castleton, and who was somewhat identified with the slate interests there, and who was a great admirer of the scenery of that region, claimed that the name was taken from the famous Norridgewock chief, Bomazeen, who was killed in 1724, and in some way the lake in Castleton was named after him, and had been misspelled "Bombazine." Through his influence, no one interposing an objection to his authority, the word "Bomoseen," instead of "Bomazeen," came into general use. But there was not the least foundation for his assertion as to the relationship of the Norridgewock chief to the lake in Castleton. Bombazine is the name given that body of water when mentioned as a lake by the early settlers of the town, and the one that has been generally adopted by common usage, and the one which should be now used.

      The east side of the lake is skirted with fertile and slightly elevated slate ridges. On the west side parallel with the lake runs the West Castleton range of mountains, which affords an inexhaustible supply of roofing slate. In many places the waters of the lake wash the foot of the mountain, making it impracticable building a road along its shore.

      Commencing on the east side of the outlet of the lake, following the shore around, the various points, of interest are as follows: The "Indian Fields " is a plateau of over twenty acres of sandy land, about ten feet above the level of the lake, on which many Indian relics have been found. This was the site of an Indian village, of which tribe we have no authentic record, yet some of the older settlers remember seeing Indian families return in the summer season to visit the homes of their childhood. The specimens were all upon the surface.

      Green Bay is north of the "Indian Fields," and was so called from the evergreens growing upon the shore.

      Hopkins Brook is a small stream that empties into the lake north of Green Bay., It is named after an early proprietor of the farm through which it runs. 

      Mason's Point is a rocky ledge that runs into the lake still farther to the north. It was named after Robert MASON, a native of Simsbury, Conn., who bought the land in 1782.

      Shaw's Bay lies to the east of Mason's Point. It derives its name from Dr. Samuel SHAW, one of the early physicians of Castleton, who owned the adjoining property.

    “Josh Billings's Pulpit" is a round knob of slate ledge a few rods south of Shaw's Bay. It was so named by the Rutland County Historical Society in 1882, by the consent of Henry Shaw (Josh BILLINGS), who is a grandson of Dr. Samuel SHAW.

      Birch Point is so named from the white birch that grew upon it.

      Bishop's Bay lies to the east of Birch Point. It received its name from Joseph BISHOP, who moved on to the adjoining farm in 1843, and was instrumental in developing boating on the lake. Beaver Meadow Brook empties into this bay. It receives its name from its source being in the large Beaver Meadow about one-half mile east.

      Town Farm Bay is about one mile farther to the north. It receives its name from the town farm situated in the immediate vicinity. Sucker Creek empties into this bay. Diamond Ledge and the famous Slate Pencil Quarry are also in the immediate vicinity.

      GOODWIN's Bay sets into the land about one-half mile north of the town farm. It is named after the owner of the adjoining land.

      Diamond Point separates Goodwin's Bay from the main channel of the lake. It is named from the character of the point, which is an angular ledge of slate.

      The Johnson Bridge spans the narrow channel of the lake between the  Goodwin farm on the east and JOHNSON farm on the west. The marshy portion of the lake lies north of this bridge. 

      STANNARD's Cove is about one-half mile south of the bridge on the west side of the lake. It received its name from the owner of the farm in the vicinity. Stannard's Point is south of the cove.

      Watch Point is still farther south; it is a point of ledge about fifteen feet above the surface of the lake, and covered with a growth of small trees. It received its name from the custom of the early settlers concealing themselves in the evergreens on the point and watching for the deer when they came down to drink, or to cross the lake.

      Johnson's Brook empties into the lake west of Watch Point. It rises among the hills to the northwest.

      Eagle's Bay is situated between Watch Point and Cedar Mountain. It is about one mile in length, and is so called because of the eagles that have built their nests on the cliffs of Cedar Mountain from time immemorial, and have been observed to hover over this portion of the lake during the summer and autumn, watching the fish-hawk and robbing it of its prey.

      Cedar Mountain rises abruptly about three hundred feet above the surface of the lake. It is one mass of slate rock and a conspicuous object from nearly all points on the lake. It has borne this name for over one hundred years, which it received from the abundance of cedar growing upon it. Slate is quarried at the foot of the mountain.

      West Castleton Bay is situated between Cedar Mountain and Rocky Point. Here is the widest part of the lake. Williams's BROOK and the outlet of Screwdriver Pond empty into this bay.

      Rocky Point is south of West Castleton Bay. Its name indicates its physical features. It is a rocky bend into the lake, though covered with a dense forest.

      Cookville Bay extends from Rocky Point southward. The lake is about two miles wide at this place.

      There are two islands in Lake Bombazine: Rabbit and Neshobe. Rabbit island is situated in the north end of Eagle's Bay, containing an area of about three acres. It is a ledge of slate rock, lightly covered with soil, on which is a delightful grove of shrubbery and trees. It takes its name from the fact that rabbits collect on the island to feed upon its foliage in the winter season and get imprisoned there when the ice melts out of the lake in the spring. The island is long and narrow. It never was used for any other purpose than as a temporary resort for fishing and camping parties. It is very probable that it was a favorite resort for the Indians in prehistoric times, as a great variety of implements have been found upon the southern extremity.

      Neshobe Island is situated about in the center of the lake, and contains an area of about ten acres. This, too, is a solid mass of slate rock, but its surface is covered with a deeper soil than Rabbit Island, and has a heavier growth of trees. It was named by the Rutland County Historical Society on July 4, 1881, after the Indian scout, Neshobe, mentioned in Thompson's novel The Green Mountain Boys.

      Neshobe Island was first cleared about 1790, by Robert MASON, and planted to corn; but was allowed to grow up to bushes until 1810 when it was again cleared by the SHAWS, who then lived upon Mason's Point east of the Island. After three or four years it was again allowed to grow up to bushes, some of which still stand as ornamental shade trees to a summer resort. From the first settlement of the town of Castleton this island has been a favorite resort for fishing parties. In 1835 a rough board house thirteen feet square was erected on the southern extremity of the island by S. H. Langdon, who also put in cooking utensils, and had an ice-house built and filled every winter for summer use, which was free to all parties who might desire to sojourn there. For several years these accommodations were amply sufficient to supply the wants of those who went to that enchanted island grove to revel in fish-chowders, St. Croix, and other favorite brands of choice liquors. This was the first boathouse on the lake. This building was burned by incendiary fire several years afterwards. In about 1840 a party of revelers who visited the island christened it "Chowder Island," when they served a chowder and had other festivities. But the name was mentioned only by the members of the party or their immediate friends, and it soon fell into disuse.

      In 1877 John A. LEGGETT bought the island of Mr. S. H. LANGDON who owned it and had kept it fitted many years for festive occasions, and the next year erected a two story hotel of wood. Mr. LEGGETT became insolvent and in 1880 the premises went into the possession of Jane BARKER; since which time the island has been very much beautified and the buildings much improved. The place is now one of the most delightful summer resorts in New England. In 1884 the Rutland county historical society adopted for the island a coat-of-arms I which is described as follows: Dexter chief, ermine; sinister base, argent. On ermine an annulet gules, in which is Neshobe Island vert, above waves azure. On argent is a deer purpure, at gaze, between a flock of wild geese or, and a brace of arrow-heads gules. On a bend sinister sable, a fish or, natant between a pond-lily bud argent, and the American eagle or, perching.

      There are three villages on the shores of Lake Bombazine, viz.: Hydeville, Cookville and West Castleton. Hydeville is situated at the falls on the outlet .of the lake. It was formerly called Castleton Mills. Cookville is situated on Cookville Bay or the west shore of the lake. It is a village built up by those working in the slate quarries in that vicinity. It derives its name from Mr. Cook who was largely concerned in the development of the slate interest there. West Castleton is situated between Screw-driver Pond and Lake Bombazine. Its principal business is quarrying slate.

      Up to 1878 there were no hotels along the shores of the lake to accommodate tourists, who might wish to stop for any length of time. Travelers had to be entertained at the farm-houses bordering on the lake. There were several small buildings, called "boat-houses," along the shore of rude construction, which served as shelters in case of storm. The owner kept several boats to let for fishing, sailing or rowing. Visitors to the lake were usually picnic parties for one day only, or family parties who furnished their own tent and provisions, and who came in from the surrounding country.

      Since 1878 five hotels have been erected and several farm-ouses have been enlarged and fitted up for the accommodation of travelers and summer boarders, since which time several hundred regular boarders stop every summer at the various houses.

      In 1878 a small steamer was put upon the lake, which makes regular trips from Hydeville through the lake and return, stopping at the various places of resort.

      Lake Champlain should not be omitted in a sketch of the waters of Rutland county, as the southern portion skirts the western boundary of the county from Whitehall, forming the west line of the towns of Westhaven and Benson, a distance of sixteen miles to Orwell; the latter was, until twenty-fve years ago, one of the towns of Rutland county. The lake is quite narrow at this point and resembles a river in appearance. Its width varies from one to three-fourths of a mile until it reaches Crown Point. It is one of the most interesting and attractive bodies of water in this country. An account of its discovery by Champlain has been given in a preliminary chapter. The beautiful scenery and the historic associations on the Vermont shore opposite Ticonderoga make that point one of interest to visitors. Mount Independence, in Orwell, is a small elevation formerly included in the limits of Rutland county, opposite Fort Ticonderoga, upon which St. Clair erected fortifications which were connected with the fort by a floating bridge across the lake, twelve feet wide and more than a thousand feet in length. This bridge had twenty-two sunken piers to give it strength and durability, remains of which are occasionally found at low water.

      Lake St. Cathrine, lying in the towns of Poultney and Wells is five miles in length and one mile wide in its greatest breadth. Recent authorities account for the name St. Cathrine as being given to this body of water by a party of Jesuit fathers who, at an early date, had a mission among the Indians and were stationed upon the shore of this lake. This statement is well authenticated by Catholic authority. The lake is called "St. Augustine" in Thompson's history. It is authenticated by record that it bore this name as early as 1767. Governor Hall, in speaking of the name, says: "It appears from the New York land papers in the office of the Secretary of State at Albany, that on the 27th of April, 1767, a survey was returned of five thousand acres of land for Colonel MAUNSELL, in the county of Albany, on the west side of 'Lake Cathrine' and that the same land was granted to him, March 7, 1771. On a map published in London in 1779, on which are located the several grants made by the governors of New York up to the time of the Revolution, Maunsell's tract is marked as lying on the west side of a body of water designated as 'St. Cathrine.' " The present name was undoubtedly the original one; although it has been called at various periods by different names, among them being "Lake Austin," or "Wells Pond." It covers an area of about two thousand acres, lying in two parts which are connected by a channel about three-fourths of a mile in length and from three to eight rods in width; the lower portion is called the Little Lake, and is about three-fourths of a mile in length by one-half in breadth. It is a beautiful sheet of water, surrounded by mountains; the water is clear, abounds in fish, and it has become a favorite resort for visitors in summer. Several hotels have been erected for their accommodation and a small steamer plies its waters.

      There are many lesser bodies of water that should be mentioned, some of which are even designated as lakes, and the majority as ponds, and many are in remote and unfrequented parts of the county. Among them are Martin's Pond in Benson, two miles long and the same in width. Inman Pond, a romantic body of water in the north part of Fairhaven, deriving its name from Isaiah INMAN, who settled near it. In Hubbardton there are twelve ponds wholly or in part within the limits of the township, some with and others without names. Beebe's Pond is one mile long and threefourths of a mile wide. Lake Hortensia, which is three miles long and a half mile wide; its original name was "Gregory's Pond," and afterwards "Horton's Pond." It is near the village of Hortonville. Jackson Pond, near Mechanicsville in Mount Holly, is a mile long and half a mile wide; it was first occupied by Abram JACKSON, one of the first settlers, as a mill site, but is now utilized by a large manufacturing establishment. There is a natural pond on the height of the mountain on the line between Mount Tabor and Peru. From this pond flows a stream called Big Branch, which enters into. the Otter Creek at Danby; the whole distance traversed by it is about seven miles. The town of Rutland has several small bodies of water, but none. that have assumed any importance or value. There are two considerable ponds in the south part of the town of Shrewsbury, one of which is now known as Shrewsbury Pond; it is a romantic spot and is used for the cultivation of fish. Chapman Pond, in Tinmouth, is a mile and a half long and half a mile wide; has some celebrity as a fishing resort. There are three considerable ponds in the town of Wallingford, the longest of which is called Spectacle Pond, and sometimes "Lake Hiram;" it is two miles long and a mile wide. Another pond covers about fifty acres and is not far from the one just mentioned. West of the Otter Creek, about a mile from the village, is Fox Pond, which is three-fourths of a mile in length and half a mile in width. These three bodies of water are beautifully located and picturesque in all of their surroundings. These lakes and ponds, surrounded by the mountains, their placid surfaces in attractive contrast with the rugged steeps, add materially to the beauty of the landscapes of Rutland county.
 
 

"History of Rutland County Vermont with Illustrations & 
Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men & Pioneers"
Edited by H. Y. Smith & W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers  1886
History of Rutland County
Chapter II.
(pages  33-46)

Transcribed by Karima, 2002